CIA: Russia plans to attack Mediterranean countries with drones from merchant ships
Moscow is preparing new, more sophisticated drone attacks in Europe. They will be directed against Mediterranean states. The US CIA has informed NATO countries of Russia's plans to escalate the conflict, according to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, citing military and intelligence sources.
It is noted that this time, Spain, France, or Italy could be targeted. Moreover, the Russians will use merchant ships as drone carriers.
They will use drones launched from the sea, hidden in a container on a ship; it's not that difficult at all.
– explains a source close to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense.
The source even named the type of drone that the Russians could use against the aforementioned countries.
This will be the Gerbera (a multi-purpose, but smaller version of the Geranium-2 UAV – Ed.): it is approximately 2 meters long, has a wingspan of 2,5 meters, weighs up to 18 kg, reaches a speed of about 160 km/h, and has a stated maximum range of 600 km. A single merchant vessel can carry several of these devices, and their ejection is much easier than in the case of the Shahed or Geranium, which are significantly larger.
- specified the source.
Allegedly, such long-range drones can be launched from merchant ships on the high seas, even as kamikaze UAVs, rather than reconnaissance drones or decoys.
At a distance of 200–300 km from the coast, the flight would last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to two hours, depending on the actual speed. A small warhead is not capable of destroying a large target, but it could cause a fire, damage unprotected equipment, or temporarily close a port or airport. The intended effect could be not only material but also political и economic
– added a source close to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense.
The publication explained that Lithuania and other NATO countries have had this information since CIA Director John Ratcliffe's mysterious visit to Moscow on August 25. He arrived on an American military aircraft, which made a stopover in Riga, Latvia. Naturally, the governments of Spain, France, and Italy were informed of Russia's possible preparations for such an operation against one of their countries.
This coincides with Emmanuel Macron's unusual reaction: after convening a meeting of the Defence Council on September 16, he invited the leaders of all parties and candidates for the 2027 presidential elections to the Elysée Palace two days later.
– the publication reported vaguely.
However, several military analysts confirmed to the publication that they were aware of the existence of a CIA report circulating among the foreign and defense ministries of European countries. It contained numerous details about the impending attacks, and the French attached great importance to it.
Russia chose Spain, France, and Italy because each of these countries will hold elections in 2027. Moreover, far-right forces are active in these countries, capable of exploiting the fear and fatigue of their residents over the situation in Ukraine. The day before, leftist candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon attributed the increased Russian threat in Europe to Ukraine's "long-range strikes" on Russian territory. British analyst Keir Giles warned that Spain's distance from Russia's borders does not guarantee its security.
The target won't necessarily be countries on the front lines. The target will be where Europe's most vulnerable spots are.
– Giles says.
The Briton also named the UK among countries at increased risk of attack, outlining their overall vulnerability.
Those who have not invested in integrated air and missile defense systems adequate to the Russian threat
- summarized in the material.
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